THOMAS
I couldn't work. I couldn't write. I had to streamline my personal life.

(Alvin selects a story and reads.)

ALVIN
Money and Prizes.
A story about Thomas.

Having streamlined his personal life,
Thomas was able to focus on more important matters.

THOMAS
But as much as I tried to focus, there was always this voice in my head -
Alvin's patient, supportive and aggravating voice.

ALVIN
Another award? You are so talented, Tom.

(Thomas addresses an award ceremony audience.)

THOMAS
Thank you so much for this. I’m flattered but completely at a loss as to why you’ve chosen me.

ALVIN
YOU’RE AMAZING, TOM.
AND TO PROVE IT
THEY’RE THROWING THIS BIG FANCY DO
FOR YOU.

YOU’RE AMAZING, TOM.
IF I’D KNOWN ABOUT THIS
I’D HAVE BEEN THERE TODAY.
WELL, ANYWAY.

I’M SURE YOU HAVE NO TIME TO CALL.
I KNOW THAT YOUR SCHEDULE’S TIGHT.
YOU’RE PROBABLY NEEDED AT SIGNINGS AND PARTIES.
C’MON, I’M YOUR PAL, IT’S ALL RIGHT.
YOU’RE AMAZING, TOM.

THOMAS
I'm frequently asked, "Where do your stories come from?" I don't know.
All I know is there's got to be thousands of stories in this head of mine just waiting for me to pick
one and write it down.

ALVIN
YOU’RE AMAZING, TOM.
AND TO THINK THAT YOU MADE IT HERE
ALL ON YOUR OWN.
WELL, WHO’D HAVE KNOWN?

YOUR WRITING HAS PASSION AND SKILL
WHILE OTHERS ARE CHURNING OUT FLUFF.
IT’S EASY TO PANDER TO LOW EXPECTATIONS,
BUT QUALITY STORIES ARE TOUGH.

THOMAS
And the indescribable feeling of writing those first few words knowing
I'm on my way to changing people’s lives.

ALVIN
WHAT YOU DO IS IMPORTANT.
WHAT YOU DO IS AN ART.
WHAT YOU’RE DOING IS FEEDING YOUR READERS
IDEAS WITH HEART.

LET’S ADMIT IT, YOU’RE MAKING
THE PLANET A HAPPIER PLACE.
IT’S BECAUSE OF THE MINDS YOU ARE SAVING
THAT SOMEONE IS WAVING
ANOTHER AWARD IN YOUR FACE.

YOU’RE AMAZING, TOM.

THOMAS
Every one of my stories - The Butterfly, The Marvelous Mystical Bookstore,
The Memory Robe, even the incredibly popular Mrs. Remington's Hallowe'en -
every one was up here just waiting for me to set it free.

ALVIN
YOU’RE AMAZING, TOM. THE RESULT OF THE CHOICES YOU MADE IS SUCCESS.
I GUESS.

YOU’RE AMAZING, TOM.
IT’S HARD WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE
SOME THINGS BEHIND.
WELL NEVER MIND.